Jaipur Rugs x Tatiana de Nicolay weave botanical tapestries with 'Jardins du Monde'

For the Jardins du Monde ('Gardens of the World') collection, artist Tatiana de Nicolay took inspiration from the Albert Kahn garden in Paris, considered a serene suburban haven where guests take in the splendour of the natural world. Together with the dextrous artisans of pioneering Indian brand Jaipur Rugs, the Paris-based artist intended the collection to evoke distinctive landscapes with a worldwide influence. These range from Japanese and English gardens to French ones, as well as forests, meadows, a labyrinth, waterways and a pagoda. De Nicolay says, "Each rug tells a story of cultural discovery and natural beauty, inviting homeowners to experience these unique landscapes." The hand-crafted and woven rug designs feature soothing shades and colours, representing motifs from landscapes around the world.

From two humble looms in 1978 to becoming a global luxury icon, Jaipur Rugs has helped evolve artisan carpet-making in its truest sense. The family-led enterprise empowers 40,000 craftspeople—85 per cent of them women—across 7,000 looms, forming India's largest artisan network. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and a private collection of vintage rugs, Jaipur Rugs bridges tradition with modernity, weaving stories of heritage and resilience into every thread and elevating handmade Indian carpet designs onto the world stage. Yogesh Chaudhary, director of Jaipur Rugs, comments on the collaboration: "Each rug embodies a vivid narrative of botanical marvels from around the world, inviting us into a realm where cultural richness meets natural splendour. It's a testament to Tatiana's visionary artistry and Jaipur Rugs' commitment to craftsmanship."

De Nicolay is a multifaceted creative—product designer, independent consultant and watercolour illustrator—whose artistic vision flows seamlessly into her everyday life. Rooted in her journeys through Egypt and India, her work embodies a tapestry of rich cultural narratives. Having worked with esteemed fashion designers, she found a profound connection with interior design in London. Collaborating with global brands, she continues weaving her eclectic influences into timeless creations that bridge art, design and global heritage. "The collaboration with Jaipur Rugs has allowed me to translate my passion for global gardens into tangible art pieces," the French designer comments.

In the collection, rugs appear as watercoloured fabric, taking inspiration from lush landscapes around the globe. The Flower Meadow is a poetic ode to an English garden, characterised by its wild, natural appearance and abundance of colourful flowers. A green grid-like trellis borders the polychromatic composition, framing its romantic quality and bringing a touch of nature's untamed beauty into the home. The Garden Gate rug evokes the enchanting gates of a hidden, mystical garden. The motifs resemble large wooden trellises decorated with delicate bamboo leaves, inviting one to explore the wonders beyond the entrance. The Snake Song features Ficus and Bermuda palm trees, pepper vines and undergrowth herbs, transporting one to a vibrant jungle where you can almost hear the melodious sounds of a Quetzal or the hiss of a tropical snake.

The Mysterious Labyrinth rug flaunts sinuous climbing vines creating a maze-like pattern. It captivates the eye, encouraging it to meander through the intricate patterns, much like navigating a secret garden maze. The Tea Pavilion, on the other hand, draws inspiration from oneiric images of a Japanese tea garden and harmoniously intertwines plants, palm leaves and architectural elements alluding to the Land of the Rising Sun. It makes a serene addition to any space, evoking the tranquillity of a distant land. The River of Roses rug captures the essence of the English countryside with its familiar green trellis adorned with climbing roses and surrounded by serene waterways. This rug evokes a sense of calm and elegance, perfect for creating a tranquil environment. The Country Gathering makes one relax in the shade of a grand marquee, a perfect haven for contemplating the beauty of the gardens in good company—embodying the joy of shared experiences and the simple pleasures of a countryside retreat.

Jardins du Monde culminates in nature's profound beauty and cultural richness, brought to life through artistry and craftsmanship. Each rug captures a unique story, offering a glimpse into landscapes that evoke wonder, serenity and discovery. Collaborating with Jaipur Rugs has transformed these visions into tactile masterpieces, imbued with the soul of Rajasthan's artisans. From poetic English meadows to tranquil Japanese tea gardens, the new collection invites us to bring global gardens into our homes, creating spaces that reflect harmony and connection. It's a dialogue between design, tradition and the natural world. Adding to the list of its creative ventures, Jaipur Rugs can also be found supporting SPASM Design Architect's pavilion titled There is no Planet B at the upcoming ADFF:STIR Mumbai from January 10 - 12, 2025.

(Text by Arryan Siingh, intern at STIR)